Methodology

Visited three musuems, taking the role of the average interested visitor, paying for the basic ticket, plus the price of a tour. While exploring the museum, I did my best to read all of the information and to ask questions to the guides. When the tour was over, I would ask about the methodology of the museum itself. I would end with a short conversation with the guide about their experiences working at the museusm.

Once the initial research was completed, I compated my findings to a number of secondary soures. The museums and their experiences were analyzed based on the criteria of these secondary sources, along with my own experiences in the field.

Findings/ Conclusion

In analyzing these History Museums, it is clear that the museums that explore a variety of perspectives, collaborate with their audience, and showcase creative design are more effective. A museum that chooses to tell only one story will have a harder time creating an engaging and accessible environment for visitors. The museums that chose to approach their subject matter from a variety of angles allows more visitors to take something away.

The Hudson River Maritime Museum and Historic Huguenot Street utilize different audience demographics, fields of study, and historical theories to tell their stories. The singular focus of the Locust Grove museum causes many stories to be left behind, and loses the opportunity to give visitors a broad understanding of the time period. These case studies can be used as examples for creating engaging public history.

Website Project

One way that museums can become more accessible is by utilizing online resources for visitors. This project was an excellent opportunity to learn how to present content via website design. Below is the evolution of the page you are looking at right now!

Style Gudie

Wireframe Mockup